TORONTO -- New provincial fire safety rules will make it mandatory for all retirement homes and long-term care facilities to have automatic sprinklers.
Changes to the fire and building codes announced today will give licensed retirement homes and most private care facilities up to five years to install sprinklers.
Some facilities, including public long-term care homes, will have up to 11 years to complete the work.
Currently, only new facilities are required to have sprinklers.
The new regulations, which take effect Jan. 1 next year, also call for more fire inspections and extra fire safety training for residence staff.
Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek called the changes a "significant milestone" that will help protect the lives of seniors and firefighters.
